Language Classes

Language Class-Sarah

Seth, Flat Stanley and I with Wulan and Icak, two of our language teachers.

A couple of weeks ago we decided to go sign up for language classes. We visited two language schools and picked out one called Alam Bahasa. I was really exited and could not wait to get started! Dad decided to take 6 hours of lessons a day but Mom, Seth and I decided to start with only 2 hours a day.

I was so happy when I got to take my first lesson! I got up at six o’clock and we left the house at 7:30 because our lessons started at eight and ended at ten. We walked about half a mile to the bus stop and boarded the bus, which is called the TransYogya. After stopping about two times, the bus came to our stop. We got off and walked to the school.

When we came in a lady greeted us and later gave us all bags that held a pencil, notebook, and eraser. In the central area of the school, there are benches and children’s books on racks. The students, including our family, talked to each other while we drank coffee or tea that is provided before and after classes. When you walk out the other side of the central room, you are outside but there is a roof of vines where a little bit of sun gets through. I sipped some tea and waited for our teachers.

Finally, it was time for class! We all had our own separate classes so that we could learn without distractions. I went away with a Muslim lady to my class. That day, I learned the ABC’s in Indonesian and how to ask someone what another person’s name was and how it is spelt. My teacher was really nice and she spoke mostly in Indonesian so that I would learn. The room I worked in had a table, two chairs, a whiteboard and tinted windows.

I had so much fun! After class, I was tired but I couldn’t wait for the next day! Alam Bahasa is a great school and I would definitely take classes here again.

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Sarah and Christy

Me eating birthday cake with Christy, one of mom and dad’s language teachers.

Pesta Malam

Me with Este, Icak and Lisa, three of our language teachers at our Indonesian Night Party. We are all wearing traditional clothing.

Sarah Playing Instrument

At our Indonesian Night Party I was able to learn how to play the “Angklung”. Each angklung plays its own note. The music is beautiful! 

 

 

Everybody Is A Teacher

Now that we live in Indonesia, I really want to learn the language so I can communicate with everyone and make lots of new friends. I have learned that everybody is a teacher! Even though I do not know the language I have been able to make a few friends already. Two of my new friends come from a family in the church of Christ at Darmawangsa. Yosua is a boy and he is almost 6 years old. His 2 year old sister is named Ester. We have spent a lot of time with this family and I have become friends with the kids.

I have gotten to play with Ester and when she talks and I ask my Mom what she is saying she is “teaching” me Indonesian. Another way I am learning is through pictures. When I play with Ester sometimes she points to a picture of something and says the Indonesian word for it. I have a game on my iPod that has a picture of a cat on it so Ester touched it and said “kucing”, which is the word for cat. Another time, she pointed to a rabbit on her shorts and said, “kelinci”, the word for rabbit.

Sarah and Ester

I have learned a lot of words from Ester and I have enjoyed playing with her. It is funny how even a two-year-old little girl can become a great language teacher! I am learning Indonesian little by little. Someday I will know the language really well and I will remember Ester as one of my first language “teachers.” I have learned that when you are learning a new language, everyone is a teacher, whether they are 2 years old or 50!

Question: Who has been an unexpected teacher in your life? You can leave a comment by clicking here.